Building construction

ABSTRACT

A METHOD AND STRUCTURE FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION IN WHICH A FRIST PAIR OF OPPOSED VERTICAL, HALLOW, SPACED APART COLUMNS IS ERECTED AND THEN A SECOND PAIR OF OPPOSED VERTICAL, HALLOW COLUMNS IS ERECTED IN SPACED APART RELATIONSHIP TO THE FIRST PAIR OF COLUMNS. ONE OR MORE HORIZONTAL CANTILEVERED BEAMS ARE THEN SECURED TO EACH PAIR OF COLUMNS WITH THEIR OUTBOARD ENDS PROJECTING OUTWARDLY BEYOND EACH OF THE COLUMNS SO AS TO FORM AN H-SHAPED FRAME. PREFABRICATED HOUSING COMPONENTS CAN THEN BE MOUNTED ON THE EXTENDING ARMS OF THE BEAMS AND UTILITY CONNECTIONS CAN THEN BE MOUNTED ON TE EXTENDING ARMS OF THE BEAMS AND UTILITY CONNECTIONS CAN BE MADE THROUGH THE HALLOW COLUMNS WITH THE H-SHAPED ARRANGEMENT PROVIDING AN OPEN SPACE BETWEEN ADJACENT FRAMES WHICH PERMITS INSTALLATION OF STAIRS AND OTHER APPURTENANCES.

Oct. 19, 1971 ROHRER 3,613,321 V BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed July 9.1969 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 6

INVENTOR.

KARL R. ROHRER BY 9%) vi ATTORNEYS Oct. 19, 1971 Filed July 9,- 1969 K.R. RDHRER BUI'LDING CONSTRUCTION FIG. 3

FIG. 4

4. SheetsSheet 8 FIG. 2

mvsmon. KARL R. ROHRER BY J Mv vi ATTORNEYS Oct. 19, 1971 K. R. ROHRERBUILDING CONSTRUCTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed July 9. 1969 P/ A I I I I IIl rl1/l/l/IIIIIVN%/III//l/I/Ill/l/l////// FIG. 8

INVENTOR. KARL R. ROHRER BY JAM-(Au, r 17 ATTORNEYS 0d. 19, 1971 ROHRERQ 3,613,321

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed July 9, 1969 4.Sheets-Sheet I.

INVENTOR. KARL R. ROHRER BY 4 v ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,613,321BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Karl R. Rohrer, 264 Kenilworth Drive, Akron, Ohio44313 Filed July 9, 1969, Ser. No. 840,246

Int. Cl. E04b 1/34 US. C]. 52-73 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Amethod and structure for building construction in which a first pair ofopposed vertical, hollow, spaced apart columns is erected and then asecond pair of opposed vertical, hollow columns is erected in spacedapart relationship to the first pair of columns. One or more horizontalcantilevered beams are then secured to each pair of columns with theiroutboard ends projecting outwardly beyond each of the columns so as toform an H-shaped frame. Prefabricated housing components can then bemounted on the extending arms of the beams and utility connections canthen be mounted on the extending arms of the beams and utilityconnections can be made through the hollow columns with the H-shapedarrangement providing an open space between adjacent frames whichpermits installation of stairs and other appurtenances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention, in general, relates tolow-cost prefabricated building construction and specifically relates toa simplified I-I-shaped type framework onto which preassembled housingcomponents can be mounted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Applicant is aware of the following priorart: Klein US. 2,837,776, HohlaU.S. 3,213,572, Stucky et al. US.3,377,755, Stucky et al.U.S. 3,416,273. Of these references, both of theStucky patents relate to a method of stacking prefabricated roomelements on top of each other. The Klein patent relates the use oftension cables on a multistory structure. The Hohla patent discloses theutilization of columns and trusses for a multi-story building but lacksthe simplicity, ease of construction and several of the specificfeatures of applicants structure as will now be described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the building industry in general and thehousing industry in particular there is a well recognized need forlow-cost, easy to erect housing due to the well known fact thatconstruction costs have risen steadily in recent years. It is wellrecognized that the trend in this industry is toward prefabricating orpreconstruction as much of the building at the factory as possible inorder to avoid the considerable expense which is incurred when all ofthe construction is done at the construction site.

The present invention represents a decided improvement in this generalarea.

Thus, it has been found that by providing at least two pairs of spacedapart, hollow upright columns and securing at least one cantileveredbeam to each pair of columns to form a generally H-shaped frame thatprefabricated housing units, or for that matter, trailers can simply belifted into place on the projecting ends of the beams in a simple andeconomical operation.

Utilizing the H-frame structure also provides an open deck space betweenthe pairs of columns which is bounded by two of the housing units on itsopposed sides and by the two pairs of columns at its opposed ends. Thisspace has utility for stairways, common hallways, etc.

Accordingly, production of an improved building con- "ice struction ofthe character described becomes the principal object of this inventionwith other objects thereof becoming more apparent upon a reading of thefollowing brief specification considered and interpreted in view of theaccompanying drawings.

Of the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved building constructionpartially broken away.

FIG. 2 is an end elevation of the frame work showing the stairs anddecks in place.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the improved framework taken from the leftof FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the framework shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial end view taken from the left of FIG. 1 and showingthe housing components in place on the framework.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation taken from the right of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a detailed partial sectional view showing the means formounting the housing components on the beams.

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view showing the means for securing thehousing components to the upright columns.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view showing the utility lines and theirmethod of connection with the housing component.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified form of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the framework for still another modifiedform of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the form of the invention shown in FIG.11.

Considering first then FIG. 1, it will be seen that the framework of theimproved building construction 10 generally consists of two pairs ofupright columns 11 and 12 and 13 and 14 and a plurality of cantileveredbeams 15', 15.

The columns 11, 12, 13, and 14 are identical and are generally hollowand can either be concrete or steel or any other suitable material.Considering then the first pair of columns 11 and 12-, it will be seenthat these are simply mounted on a foundation F in conventional fashionand are spaced apart from each other with the distance between thecolumns being optional but in any event, being suflicient to enablestairways, railings, landings, etc. :10 bel placed therebetween as willbe described in greater etal Spanning the distance between columns 11and 12 and projecting outwardly therefrom are cantilevered beams 15, 15which may be of any suitable material having sufficient strength tosupport the housing components. These beams may be secured to thecolumns themselves in any known fashion and are spaced apart verticallya distance which is indicated by the height of the components placedthereon so as to form the required number of floors. In this regard, itshould be noted that in the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1through 8, three beams have been utilized but it is believed apparentthat any number of beams could be employed depending upon the number offloors desired.

This second pair of columns 13 and 14 are spaced apart from the firstpair of columns and the distance is again determined to a large extentby the size of the prefabricated housing components to be utilized. Itshould be noted that applicant is not limiting this application in anyway to any particular size or spacing. Likewise, while only two pairs ofcolumns have been shown, it is believed apparent that more could beemployed if desired or if required for supporting purposes.

It will be noted that by spacing the opposed pairs of columns in themanner described that an open area of generally rectangular shape isprovided therebetween. This space is intended to be filled by decks 16on each floor level which can be constructed in any known manner such asextending girders between the columns, laying mesh and pouring concreteor they can, if desired, be pre-cast and lifted into place on the beamsat the construction site.

The decks 16, 16 have a stairwell opening so that stairs 60 and 61, forinstance, again of conventional construction, can be mountedtherebetween. It is also contemplated that a railing such as 62 would beplaced at the ends of each deck for safety purposes. Furthermore, theopen space into which the decks are placed can accommodate on elevatorshaft (not shown) if desired or required either by local building codesor by the height of the structure.

Considering briefly next the housing components 20, it will be seen thatthe same can be prefabricated apartments, for instance, of a type wellknown. An example of one of these is shown in FIG. 6 as 20a and itshould be noted that trailers could be utilized with equally goodresults such as indicated at 20b. It should be noted here, however, thatwhile residential units have been illustrated and described, theessential construction could be used for other purposes such as, forexample. ofiice or retail uses.

Turning next then to FIG. 7 for an examination of the manner in whichthe housing components are mounted on the beams, it will be seen that afirst plate 31 is secured to the top of the beam as by welding forinstance. This plate has a through bore therein and has a second coverplate 32 overlying it and overlying the foot of the I beam 30. Athreaded stud 33 and nut 34 are also provided so that when the nut andstud are tightened down the plate 32 will hold the I beam 30 in place.If more secure holding is desired, it is also possible to weld the Ibeam 30 onto the beam 15 although the method disclosed does permit quickand easy installation and removal of the housing units.

The top of the I beam 30 supports the housing component and the bottomor floor of the component 20 may be welded to the I beam. While only oneI beam has been shown, any number can be employed depending upon therequirements of weight which might exist with differing housingcomponents.

Turning next then to FIG. 8 for a brief description of the method ofattaching the housing unit to the columns 11, 12, 13 and 14, it will beseen that the wall 21 of the housing unit 20 has at least one throughhole bored therein. A threaded stud 32 projects from the column 11through this opening and has associated with it the conventional coverplates 40 and 41 and nuts 43, 43. It is a simple matter, therefore, totighten these down and firmly secure the wall 21 to the column.

Again, only one such connection has been illustrated with it beingunderstood that any number of these connections could be employed.

Turning next then to FIG. 9, it will be recalled that the uprightcolumns 11, 12, 13, and 14 have been described as being hollow. Thepurpose of this is to enable utility connections such as gas, water,electricity, sewage, etc. to be carried inside the hollow columns. Ateach floor level an aperture 11a is provided in each column so that abranch can be taken off the particular utility desired and run into thefloor of the housing component. Examples of these utility connectionsare shown in FIG. 9 and identified by the numerals 50, 51 and 52. Coverplates 53 and 54 are welded or otherwise secured to the column to holdand support the utility connections. In this fashion not only are theutility conduits 50, 51 and 52 protected from the elements but they arekept out of sight thereby achieving improved aesthetic effects.

In use of the improved structure the construction site will be preparedin the normal manner. The foundation F can then be poured and can beconcrete or similar material. Columns 11, 12, 13 and 14 are then erectedas shown in FlGS. l and 4 for instance. The cantilevered beams 15, 15are then mounted on the columns so that their projecting outboard endsproject beyond the outside edges of the columns. The decks 16, 16 arethen mounted on each pair of beams 15, 15 and as mentioned earlier, caneither be built and poured at the site or could be prefabricated andlifted into place.

Following this, the stairs such as and 61 and railing such as 62 areemplaced.

The I beams 30, 30 are then secured in place and at this time, assumingthat the utility connections have been placed inside the hollow columns,it is merely necessary to lift a housing component such as 20a intoplace resting on the I beams. Following this the I beams will be securedto the bottom of the housing unit and the wall of the housing unit willbe secured to the columns as previously described and as shown in FIGS.7 and 8. Once this has been accomplished, the utility connections can bemade as shown in FIG. 9 and described above and at that time, acompletely ready-to-use housing unit has been constructed.

Turning next then to the modified form of the invention shown in FIG.10, it will be seen that the broad principle of the invention is againemployed with a slight variation to provide a building with a differentoutward appearance.

Specifically, two pairs of vertical, hollow, spaced apart columns 111,112, 113 and 114 are again employed and are mounted on the foundation inthe manner described above with regard to FIGS. 1 through 10.

Similarly, a pair of beams 115a and 115b are mounted on the verticalcolumns in the manner also described above and can support housing unitssuch as indicated at 120. The second layer or story, however, involvesthe utilization of beams 115C and 1115d which extend between and spanthe distance between columns 112 and 113 in the instance of beam 115dand columns 111 and 114 in the instance of beam 1150. It will be seenthat this second set of beams run at right angles to the first andaccordingly the housing units a which are supported on theircantilevered ends likewise run at right angles to the units 120, 120. Itis contemplated that the beams supporting alternate stories will bedisposed at right angles to each other so as to give a pleasing overallappearance differing somewhat from the appearance of the building shownin FIG. 1 for instance.

The method of attaching the housing units to the beams and to thecolumns, and the method of disposing the utility connections within thehollow columns are intended to be the same as those described above withregard to FIGS. 1 through 9.

Similarly, the open area bounded on its four corners by the uprightcolumns provides the necessary space for the deck, stairs, etc.

Turning next then to FIGS. 11 and 12, a still further modificationemploying the basic principle of the invention is disclosed.

Thus, in this instance, six upright columns 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 and216 are emplaced on the foundation or support so as to form theperimeter of a hexagon. The beams utilized in this form of the inventiondiffer slightly from the beams used in the earlier discussed forms.Specifically, the beam 217 has a generally Y- shaped planarconfiguration including one relatively long leg 218 and a relativelyshort leg 219 projecting from approximately the midpoint of the leg 218.Thus, in this form of the invention, one end 218a is secured to column216, for example. The opposed end 218b projects beyond column 212 asclearly shown in FIG. 11 and the leg is, of course, secured to column212 in the manner described above. Projecting leg 219 of the beam 217 issecured to the column 211 and also has its end projecting outwardlytherefrom. A second beam 230 is secured to the columns 213, 214 and 215in similar manner. In this fashion, the projecting ends 218b of column217 and 231 of column 230 provide a support for the housing unit 220with, of course, the unit being secured to the beams and the columns inthe manner described above.

It is believed apparent that upon nounting beam 240 on columns 214, 215and 216 provision will be made for mounting three housing units as isclearly shown in FIG. 12.

All successive stories could be constructed in this manner giving abasic triangular configuration to the building when viewed from the top,for instance. Variations can be obtained as shown in FIG. 12 by simplyswinging beam 217, for instance, to the right and supporting it oncolumns 211, 212 and 213. Beams 230' and 240 would likewise be rotatedand this framework would, once the housing units are in place, result ina building having the appearance of the building of 'FIG. 12 forinstance.

It is believed apparent that further modifications employing the basicconcept can be resorted to, present a variety of configurations, withthe above noted variations being representative only and not intended tobe exhaustive.

It should be noted that this method provide a relatively simple, yetefficient and economical method for rapidly constructing a building witha minimum of work re quired at the job site.

It can also be seen that the relatively simple manner of connecting thehousing units to the beams and columns permits quick and easy removalfor renovation or repair it required.

While a full and complete description of the invention has been setforth in accordance with the dictates of the patent statutes, it isbelieved apparent that modifications as to size and material could beresorted to such as, for example, to conform to local building codeswithout departing from the spirit hereof or the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. A building structure, comprising;

(A) a first pair of upright spaced apart columns;

(B) a first cantilevered unitary support beam secured to said first pairof columns with its end projecting freely beyond said columns (1)whereby a first frame element having an H shaped configuration whenviewed in elevation is formed;

(C) a second pair of upright spaced apart columns that are disposed inparallel spaced apart relationship to said first pair of columns;

(D) a second unitary cantilevered support beam secured to said secondpair of columns With its ends projecting beyond said columns (1) wherebya second frame element having an H-shaped configuration when viewed inelevation is formed;

(E) attachment means carried by said columns and said beams;

(F) a plurality of prefabricated housing units mounted on the outboardends of said support beams interconnecting said beams and spanning thedistance therebetween and secured to said attachment means;

(G) a deck spanning the open space between said first and secondH-shaped frame elements and said housing elements; and

(H) the top, bottom, side and end surfaces of each said housing unitforming the weather faces of the completed building structure.

2. The structure of claim 1 further characterized by the presence of (A)at least one additional support beam similarly secured to each said pairof columns at a higher elevation than said first and second beams;

(B) additional prefabricated housing units carried by said additionalsupport beams; and

(C) the vertical distance between said support beams being greater thanthe height of said housing units (1) whereby said housing units arespaced from each other when mounted on said support beams.

3. A building frame, comprising;

(A) a plurality of upright columns mounted on a supporting surface andspaced from each other;

(B) a plurality of support beams (1) having a generally Y-shaped planarconfiguration and (2) arranged about a central axis (3) each having eachof their legs secured to a separate column with the ends of two saidlegs projecting a substantial distance beyond the column to which theyare secured;

(C) adjacent support beams having at least one leg secured to a commoncolumn; and

(D) at least one projecting leg of each support beam being'parallel toand spaced from one projecting leg of its adjacent support beam.

4. A building structure, comprising;

(A) a first pair of upright spaced apart columns;

(B) a first cantilevered support beam secured to said first pair ofcolumns with its ends projecting beyond said columns (1) whereby a firstH-shaped frame element is formed;

(C) a second pair of upright spaced apart columns that are disposed inparallel spaced apart relationship to said first pair of columns;

(D) a second cantilevered support beam secured to said second pair ofcolumns with its end projecting beyond said columns (1) whereby a secondH-shaped frame element is formed;

(E) attachment means carried by said columns and said beams;

(F) a plurality of prefabricated housing units mounted on the outboardends of said support beams and attached to said attachment means;

(G) a deck spanning the open space between said H-shaped frame elementsand said housing elements; and

(H) at least one additional pair of cantilevered support beams (1)secured to said upright support columns at right angles to and at ahigher elevation than said first and second support beams.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,529,516 3/1925 Thorne 52-732,154,142 4/1939 Whelan 52-236 X 2,477,256 7/1949 Kneas 52-73 X2,499,498 3/ 1950 Hammond 52-67 2,616,529 11/1952 MacDonald 52-303 X2,675,895 4/1954 Loewenstein 52-236 3,058,264 10/1962 Varlonga 52-2363,541,744 11/1970 Maxwell 52-79 X FOREIGN PATENTS 937,372 9/ 1963 GreatBritain 52-220 PRICE C. FAW, J 11., Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 52-79,236

